coast FOOD
The Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis, Dorset
WHET MY APPETITE. Owned by renowned chef Mark Hix, this wonderful restaurant serves the best locally caught fish and seafood from a truly stunning setting overlooking the harbour and beach in Lyme Regis. Although Mark had run a restaurant at this same spot since 2008, all of his franchises were closed down in 2020 because of the pandemic. It was a triumph, for both the town and Mark himself, that he was able to relaunch afresh at this great location, which just wouldn’t be the same without being infused by Mark’s character and expertise. With a home just up the road in Charmouth, Mark has always contributed greatly to the local community, organising the Hix Oyster Celebration in September each year and bringing many other celebrity chefs, talented producers, experts and connoisseurs to this vibrant town. This was my first visit since the pandemic and it was a real pleasure to support a coastal business that has fought so hard to make it through.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Beautiful local seafood, cooked with respect, in simple, delicate combinations that enhance, but never overpower, the subtle flavours of the main ingredients. We started with a selection of oysters, including a Brownsea Island, a Portland pearl and a scrumpy fried oyster with scotch bonnet mayonnaise, which were all a delight – creamy and fresh with the flavour of the sea, a great way to begin our meal. For main courses, we shared a local lobster, succulent and rich, it was cooked in lashings of butter, a touch of garlic, and fresh fennel fronds. This was served with a simple herb salad from a local farm and a bowl of chips. The w
